canucks Trade Rumors Heat Up: Is Kiefer Sherwood Headed to Montreal?
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The Vancouver Canucks are actively exploring trade options for winger Kiefer Sherwood, with multiple teams reportedly interested, adn a potential move to the Montreal Canadiens gaining traction. Recent reports suggest the Canucks are prioritizing acquiring young players in exchange for the pending unrestricted free agent, shifting away from a focus on draft picks or future considerations.
Sherwood at the Center of trade Speculation
This signals a clear preference for immediate impact over long-term potential through draft selections.
Montreal and Minnesota Emerge as Frontrunners
According to Dhaliwal, the Minnesota Wild and the Montreal Canadiens have demonstrated more than a passing interest in acquiring Sherwood. The Canadiens, in particular, are an intriguing possibility, having recently rebuilt their roster with a focus on young talent and are aiming to secure consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 2021.
The Canucks reportedly scouted a game between the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators on the night of December 2, 2025, fueling speculation about a potential deal. “could they be trying to get a young player like Zach Bolduc?” Dhaliwal questioned.
Zach Bolduc: A Potential Fit, But With Complications
Bolduc, a 22-year-old winger, was recently acquired by the Canadiens from the St.Louis Blues on July 1, 2025, in exchange for defenseman Logan Mailloux. In his rookie season, bolduc showcased promising offensive capabilities, registering 19 goals and 36 points in 72 games.He has continued to produce in the 2025-26 season, with six goals and 12 points in his first 25 games.
While not known for his speed, Bolduc is praised for his positional awareness, responsible two-way play, and ability to generate scoring chances from hazardous areas. “.
However, a trade involving Bolduc isn’t without its challenges. One key question is whether the Canadiens would be willing to part with a young player they recently acquired and who is performing well. moreover,the Canucks’ primary need is at the center position,while Bolduc plays winger. The Canucks may, however, see Bolduc as a player capable of transitioning to center, given his experience at the position during his time with the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts.
Jim Rutherford Takes Control of Trade Talks
The structure of the Canucks’ front office has also come under scrutiny. Dhaliwal reported that Jim Rutherford is now the central figure in all trade negotiations.
“I did hear that Jim Rutherford is certainly the point guy on all trades,” Dhaliwal said. “You wanna talk? You’re calling Jim. You want info? You’re calling Jim.” This revelation raises questions about the role of General Manager patrik Allvin, who was initially presented as having full control over team operations when he was appointed in 2022. Rutherford previously stated, during Allvin’s introductory press conference, “patrik is going to be able to work the day-to-day stuff as a general manager…The Vancouver Canucks are Patrik’s team now.”
A Potential Pursuit of Owen Tippett
Beyond Bolduc, the Canucks have also reportedly expressed interest in Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett. “Someone told me the Canucks really like Owen Tippett in Philly,” Dhaliwal revealed, “But that would be a hard get.” He clarified that any pursuit of Tippett would likely not involve sherwood as a trade piece.
Tippett, 26 at the time of reporting, is in the second year of an eight-year contract with a $6.2 million annual salary. While he currently doesn’t have any trade protection, he will possess a 10-team no-trade list starting next season.
For Canucks fans hoping for a critically important return in any potential trade involving Sherwood, the focus on acquiring established young players like Bolduc and Tippett might potentially be disappointing. The team appears to be prioritizing immediate roster improvements over accumulating future assets.
